Police await DNA results from scene of Breanna Schneller's death

May 6, 2009

Written by

Jeff Starck

Wausau Daily Herald

The Wausau Police Department has collected DNA samples from three Wausau men that will be sent to the state Crime Lab for comparison with what they suspect is DNA left at the scene by Breanna Schneller's killer.

Police Chief Jeff Hardel said Wednesday the samples came from Schneller's fiance, Sebastian Ramirez, 22; Ramirez's brother, Hugo, 19; and an acquaintance of theirs whom he declined to identify.

Hardel would not describe the source of the DNA samples retrieved from the South 12th Avenue apartment that Schneller shared with the Ramirez brothers. Comparing the submitted samples with the samples from the scene could allow police either to eliminate people from suspicion or focus their investigation on a suspect.

Detectives continue to review statements given by friends, relatives and co-workers, interview neighbors and track down others with whom they want to speak, Hardel said.

Schneller, 18, was found dead Saturday morning in the bedroom of her apartment, and police have said they suspect her killer knew her and was familiar with the home. Hardel has refused to say how she died, but has said she was not shot to death and was not sexually assaulted.

"Sebastian and Hugo have been very cooperative," Hardel said. "Both are very upset and very emotional."